A Cluster bomb in Afghanistan claims both legs for Soraj

Soraj was only ten years old when he lost both legs to a cluster bomb in his hometown of Herat, Afghanistan.

It was 2001 when ten-year-old Soraj was playing with his cousin and friends in his war-stricken neighborhood in Herat, Afghanistan, when they became intrigued by a colourful yellow box in the street. Confused by the foreign object, Soraj and his friends went in for a closer look, only for the object to explode upon their presence. The yellow, colourful object was a Cluster bomb, which claimed the life of Soraj's cousin, injured four of his friends, and left him with no legs. Soraj explains in his story on handicap-international.org.uk that "games and leisure activities had stopped altogether", as he was "thrown into suffering and difficulties...a wheelchair user forever".

Soraj's story went worldwide as he was later invited to Australia when he was 19 as a part of a campaign to encourage a world-wide ban on cluster bombs, and to draw attention to the plight of the disabled in Afghanistan. Cluster bombs are the legacy of two wars - against Russia in the 1980's and the long war with the Taliban. Some areas, including Soraj's hometown, are littered with unexploded munitions that failed to detonate.

Soraj has had previous conversions completed by PME, however, recently we installed new hand controls for Soraj. The push/pull hand-assisted driving control are of mechanical linkage type, pushing forward for brake and pulling back for accelerator. Electronic self-cancelling indicators switching via hand control were also installed, along with a Spinmaster steering-wheel aid.

Soraj now speaks for the thousands of innocent victims of cluster munitions and the overall destruction of war in his country, speaking at conferences about people with disabilities to "gain his self-confidence back", ensuring that "my children don't have the same problems as me". Soraj's experience is truly remarkable and inspiring, another amazing addition to the many one-of-a-kind stories for us here at PME.

PME FEATURES

The new standard in Electric Wheelchairs

The Paravan Wheelchair features unique capabilities including huge motorised elevation and tilt ranges and other adjustments that make the Paravan wheelchair extremely versatile. Among other uses, it assists in reaching a high shelf, allows you to travel at standing head height at a concert or bar or to travel reasonably off road, can relieve pressure points and assists in standing/transfers.

This versatility makes the Paravan Wheelchair perfect for wheelchair self-drive. Our solutions can be fully tailored when using this wheelchair and so PME specifically recommends use of the Paravan Electric wheelchair in these conversions.

Features

Designed with self-drive operations in mind, the Paravan Wheelchair has its own integrated robust docking station for self-drive available.

It also features a crash tested vehicle seat with an integrated 3 point seat belt (optional 4 point available) and scope to accommodate pressure relieving cushions.

Seat elevation has a massive range from a Low of 340mm to a Max Height of 800mm measured from the ground to the base of the seat. Despite this huge range however, the mechanism has been robustly engineered by Paravan’s German design team, to minimise any rock or movement, even when at full elevation.

The Paravan Wheelchair features fore and aft seat movement on the seat base tracks of 200mm, providing fantastic versatility for driving, by making minor seat adjustments for comfort easy, and for a range of other activities such as tucking yourself in at the table so that you can comfortably reach.

The Paravan Wheelchair is incredibly flexible with almost any possible adjustment available and motorised. The backrest angle can be adjusted up to 20 degrees forwards and 90 degrees backwards. It is possible for the entire seat to undergo a weight-shifting rearward tilt of 50 degrees which can be used to provide pressure relief. It can also perform an anterior tilt up to 20 degrees which, in conjunction with powered footplates and elevation, has enabled clients with motor-neuron disabilities to enter chair without difficulty.

All powered adjustments are driven my Swiss made, powerful, efficient motors and are controlled with the highly popular New Zealand made Dynamic DX2 control system

The Paravan Wheelchair can reach a top speed of 6 km/h or 10 km/h depending on the model and has a range of 35km.

Use of the latest technology has enabled maximum safety and stability. This wheelchair has undergone extensive crash testing to ensure safe performance. It is TÜV-CERTIFIED and has received several prestigious prizes.

Seats may be adapted for the individual and come in a wide range of colours.

Dimensions

Many of these measurements can be customised and so please use them as a rough guide only

Straight off the shelf, most vehicles aren't appropriately set-up for people of short stature. Fortunately, PME has a whole suite of solutions to tailor-fit vehicles to make them easy and safe to drive. These include everything from access, seating and securing, to driving control and accessory function modifications.

We have years of experience doing short stature conversions and we understand the differing requirements that each situation presents. We know that your challenges are individual and we treat them that way. Each individual will differ in height, mobility and range of motion, as well as in associated disabilities, length of torso, legs and arms etc, so each conversion is tailor made.

High Quality, Professional Looking and Comfortable to Use

PME Hand Controls use mechanical linkages to allow for left or right handed control of the brake and accelerator. Our design offers a simple intuitive operation which incorporates the least fatiguing and most natural motion to apply the accelerator. They are comfortable and responsive to use.

At PME we achieve the best possible result with no, or minimal, modification to the vehicle’s interior to retain the factory look. Quality is assured; PME hand controls are certified to Australian Standard 3954.2 for your safety.

There are two standard types available with different methods of operation;

The Push-Pull system operates with a push for the brake and a pull towards the driver for acceleration.

The Radial system operates with a push for the brake and a pat (downward push) for acceleration.

Previously, vehicle modifiers have been unable to install hand controls into vehicles with a Knee Intrusion Airbag. This is because it is necessary for the hand controls to run below the dash, and right across the air-bag, making them a hazard should the air-bag deploy.

Electronic Accelerators such as the Accelerator Rings and Electronic Radial do not have this problem as the mechanical brake bar can be routed around the airbag. This is the preferred option as all safety systems are maintained.

However, for the case where electronic controls are not preferable, PME have developed an exclusive Hand Control system that is compatible with Knee Intrusion Air-bags and satisfies current RTA requirements.This system features a removable connecting rod that temporarily disables the Knee Intrusion Air-bag ONLY while installed. This rod is removed with 30 seconds when an able-bodied driver takes the wheel and the Knee Intrusion Air-bag is re-enabled.

As increasing numbers of vehicles are incorporating this safety feature, PME are continually working on new developments in this area. However,we still advise that customers avoid vehicles fitted with Knee Intrusion Airbags as unfortunately this system comes at an extra cost. Please discuss your intentions with us before purchasing a vehicle with these Air-bags.

PME Hand Control Options and Features

The device can be fitted with orthopaedic grips for higher level quadriplegia or PME also offers Custom Hand Controls if a unique solution is required.

Hand Control modifications can optionally include flip-up pedals to improve the users safety. Flip-up pedals avoid the risk of the pedals being accidentally depressed when the vehicle is in use by the disabled driver.

Indicators are generally located on the Hand Control unit to reduce the movement and so the risk involved in indicating. The indicators are self-cancelling so that they turn off after a manoeuvre has been made. Windscreen wiper, horn and high beam functions are also available from the Hand Control unit.

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Exclusive Distributors in Australia & NZ for:

PME Auto Conversions is located in Hornsby Heights NSW and specialises in customised vehicle modifications for people with disability. Our expertise includes driving controls from hand controls and left foot accelerators up to high-end electronic mobility controls, as well as wheelchair access and transfer, for cars and vans, and more. We engineer modifications to cater for any form of physical handicap. Ultimately, PME provides options for people who are disabled, in any way, to enjoy 'Dynamic Living'.